Laurent Mekies acknowledged for breaking Red Bull's second seat "jinx"
Formula 1 commentator Will Buxton suggests that team principal Laurent Mekies has lifted the "curse" associated with Red Bull's second seat by fostering a more nurturing team environment, moving away from the Milton Keynes team's historically cutthroat culture.
Red Bull has faced challenges in pairing a teammate with four-time champion Max Verstappen for an extended period. Sergio Perez, who currently races for Cadillac, was succeeded in the second driver position at Red Bull in 2025 by Liam Lawson. The New Zealand driver occupied the seat alongside Verstappen for just two race weekends before returning to Racing Bulls.
Next in line was Japanese racer Yuki Tsunoda, who held the seat for the remainder of the 2025 season. In 2026, Isack Hadjar ascended from Racing Bulls to Red Bull and has made a notable impact in his new role.
In a segment of the Up To Speed podcast, Buxton expressed that Mekies' contemporary approach to management has enabled Hadjar to flourish within the team.
"The notion that perhaps the curse is being lifted, not solely due to Isack's efforts, but also because of Laurent's influence and the culture he is establishing at the team," remarked the former F1 TV presenter.
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
"Previously, under [Christian] Horner, Dr. Helmut Marko, and the prior leadership, the belief was that diamonds are made under pressure.
"By alleviating that pressure and perhaps providing support and creating a positive and safe environment, Isack could take a nearly two-month break, recuperate, and return with a new contract instead of feeling rushed or stressed.
"This may allow Isack to maximize his potential. Thus, it seems that all these factors combined could be contributing to the perception that this curse, if it ever existed, has been lifted."
Hadjar endured a wrist injury during the summer hiatus, which sidelined him for recovery. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marked his return to racing, where he secured a third-place finish.
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